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Period Roadtests
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Benelli 750 Sei
| Air cooled six pot 4 stroke. 56mm bore x by 50.6mm stroke. 747.7cc
Max power 71bhp @ 8900rpm. Compression 9:1. - 2 valves per cylinder SOHC. 3 Dell' Orto Carbs. Elect start. Maximun speed 113mph. 1/4 mile SS 14.4secs
In the
mid seventies there where many superbikes availiable, ranging from vast
1200cc twins to smaller multi cylinder machines.
Multi plate clutch running in an oil bath.
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The heart of the machine is the Moto Guzzi manufactured SOHC 747.7cc six cylinder engine. Fed by three Dell' Orto carburettors. This unit which is mounted accross the frame produces 71bhp @ 8900rpm and pushes the 485lb machine to 113mph. Performance at the top end of the speed scale is probably hampered by the vast frontal area whish presents a sizeable unaerodynamic mass to penetrate the wind. However the Sei makes light work of shifting its weight away from standstill with the engine sounding not unlike its Latin supercar cousins. |
| Handling and cornering are exemplary, although the rider may feel perched on the bike as opposed to being united with it due to the high handlebars and consequent upright riding position. In-town manoeuvring is surprisingly not the headache it may seem. The engine is not prone to fouling and the cycle can be eased thriugh traffic quite easily, helped or course by the upright riding position. One must remember the width however. |
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The brakes have to be powerful and indeed they are. The twin front disc and large rear drum hauling the Benelli down from high speed easily and with little fade. it might be an idea however, to take up the BMW idea of cross-drilled discs at the front, just to get over the problem of uncertainty of braking in the wet. |
Twin discs to front and drum rear.
3.50 x 18in front wheel & 4.25 x 18in rear wheel
Front telescopic forks with coil sping dampers.
Rear - trialing arms with coil spring damper units
| Italian
machines have, in the past been criticised for their archaic
instruments and switch gear but the 750 Bennelli goes someway to
alleviating this. They are legible and easy to use. Underlining the
fact that this is a touring motorcycle, the fuel tank holds no less
than f gallons, giving a cruising range of up to 250 miles. The
efficent and lightly stressed is quite frugal, getting more than 50mpg
at times.
Weighing 485lb (219kg)
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| So, is
the Benneli 750Sei a practial motorcycle or, as many have said, an
expensive piece of technological sculpture? There is no doubt that the
engine, with its perfect secondary balance is efficient, as
demonstrated by its power output and economy. It handles well and
corners quickly, in fact the only thing lacking is the top speed and
extra bite of acceleration. If that worries you though, you could go to the main Belgian importer who wil supply you with an overboard 900cc bike, or you could wait for the factory to bring out thier much awaited twin OHC version. Then you will have a superbike in every sence of the word. |